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I’m a sixth generation North Floridian, and in this space I share my love of things that grow here, the people that grow them, and some of my favorite ways to serve them. "What we need is here," Wendell Berry tells us. I believe it.

A little levity - Watermelon Cake

It's official! The National Weather Service has announced that this summer is the hottest one on record for Gainesville. Today marks the 43rd day of temperatures in the 90s. The previous record was in 1978, when there were 41 days of 90 degree weather between August 14 and September 23. This does not bode well at all.

What to do in the face of this bad news but ice some tea, slice up some watermelon, rinse off some more grapes, and make do . . .

Or make cake! When I was a little girl, my mom would make a pie or buy an ice cream cake for my birthday since I was not a big fan of traditional cake. When I grew up, my daughter made me this cake. A lovely surprise - light, cool, juicy, and whimsical - just right for an August birthday. Or to get your mind off the unrelenting heat.

Cut through the width of the watermelon, then cut again, 4 or 5 inches away from the first cut to create a round disk (cake shape!). Place on a fancy plate. Whip small container of heavy cream until peaks form. Measure out about 2 cups of whipped cream and fold in 1 cup yogurt, until just barely mixed together. Apply to watermelon disk like you are frosting a cake. Decorate as you wish. (I usually use mangoes and blueberries, but this one was for a chocolate lover's August birthday).